Maha Shivratri 2023: Shubh muhurat, puja vidhi, samagri and more; details inside

Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in honour of Lord Shiva. This auspicious occasion is observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna, typically falling in late February or early March.

This year the auspicious festival will be celebrated with great grandeur on February 18th. Mahashivratri is a night of prayer, fasting, and meditation, as devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual enlightenment, strength, and guidance.

The holy day is commemorated by elaborate rituals, colourful processions, and joyous celebrations that bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a spirit of devotion and unity. From shubh muhurat to puja rituals, here is all you need to know about the occasion.

Shubh muhurat: Here are the auspicious timings for Maha Shivaratri:

Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 AM to 12:00 AM, Feb 19

Maha Shivaratri Parana Time: 6:56 AM to 3:24 PM, Feb 19

The Nishita Kaal Puja Time is the most important time for performing puja in Hinduism. It is believed to be a very auspicious time and is associated with a high level of spiritual energy.

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 06:13 PM to 09:24 PM

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: 09:24 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 19

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: 12:35 AM to 03:46 AM, Feb 19

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: 03:46 AM to 06:56 AM, Feb 19

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 08:02 PM on Feb 18, 2023

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 04:18 PM on Feb 19, 2023

Puja samagri:

The items on the list below must be prepared for the puja in order for it to be successful.

Vermilion: Applying vermilion on Shivalingam after the bath is a sign of virtue.

Milk, water and bel leaves: Bathing Shivalingam in water, milk, and bel leaves is the epitome of soul purification.

Fruits: Various fruits are donated during worship symbolise the gratification of wishes and longevity

Incense sticks: burning incense sticks signify prosperity

Betel leaves: It indicate the satisfaction of earthly desires

Lamp: lamp lightning represents the acquisition of wisdom and knowledge.

Vibhuti: Vibhuti which is also known as Bhasm is sacred ash which is made using dried cow dung.

Other items for the puja are flowers, rose water, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, water and sandalwood.

Puja vidhi:

Devotees should only eat once the day before Shivratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi. On Shivratri, after completing morning rites, worshippers should make a Sankalp to observe a complete day of fasting on Shivratri and to eat the next day. Devotees should also take a second bath on Shivratri day in the evening before performing Shiva Puja or visiting the temple. Shiva Puja must be done at night, and followers must break their fast the next day after taking a bath.

Shiv mantras:

Lord Shiva is regarded as the God of Mercy and the Destroyer of Evil. The chants of Shiva prayers are frequently seen to be ones that allay fear and strengthen the soul. Panchakshari Shiva Mantra, Rudra Mantra, Rudra Gayatri Mantra and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra are some of the most popular mantras chanted during Mahashivratri.

Also Read: Maha Shivratri 2023: Food items you can consume while observing fast